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Published on August 15, 2024
Providence Park in Portland Makes Musical Comeback, Hosts Foo Fighters for First Concert in 20 YearsSource: Ray Terrill, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rock legends and stadium tours are no strangers to spectacle, but the transformation of Providence Park from a soccer field to a mega concert venue is a noteworthy endeavor. Aside from the din of power drills and the shifting of seating, the park is prepping to welcome the Foo Fighters for a one-night extravaganza on Friday, Aug. 16, as part of their "Everything or Nothing At All" tour. This occasion marks the stadium's first concert in nearly two decades, harkening back to a musical legacy that commenced with Elvis Presley's 1957 performance. OregonLive provided a glimpse into the venue's dramatic shift from sports to music.

The upcoming event doesn't just boast an illustrious headliner. Imagine, coming up, slated for Sept. 25, is a musical potpourri featuring rock heavyweights Green Day, and no less than The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas making special appearances for "The Saviors" tour. A recent timelapse video shared by Providence Park, as reported by KGW, captured the staggering transformation, expanding the stadium to an impressive 30,000 seats. Let's park that number next to Moda Center's roughly 20,000 seats to get a sense of scale. For concertgoers banking on easy parking though – sorry to disappoint, but the search for street parking or public transit rides will be part of your pre-concert warm-up.

History buffs and trivia aficionados alike, take note: it's not just about the headliners; it's a nod to the park's musical past. Clock-rewinding incidents like the 1984 Beach Boys concert or Johnny Cash's 1993 performance are famed, but it's the King himself, Elvis Presley, who kicked off the concert history in '57, drawing over 14,000 fans. With the Foo Fighters' imminent performance, Providence Park enters another chapter in its storied involvement with music history. OregonLive details these historic tidbits for the culturally curious.

Security, often as unseen as it is vital, has been a paramount focus for the event. "We obviously have robust security plans here at the stadium, but the city has also been really helpful in helping us create a concert-specific security protocol," said Providence Park's management, keeping concertgoers' safety a top priority. The neighborhood's safety and security also benefitted from these concerted efforts, as noted in an interview with Providence Park officials by KATU. With gates opening at 4:00 p.m. and the concert starting at 5:30 p.m., punctuality is a virtue for those hoping to snag a good spot. And lest we forget fashion, or, in this case, accessories: concertgoers are reminded about the clear bag policy, ensuring everyone's view is as transparent as their tote.